Naginata
is the study of the use of a sword-like weapon, similar to
the European halberd or glaive. While originally a
weapon of war, the naginata now has both a form appropriate
for modern competitive sport as well as a wooden form
(somewhat less lethal than the original steel one) for the
safe study of the ancient forms.
Pictures of three different types of naginata. On the
top, the solid wooden naginata used for kata practice; in
the middle, the bamboo (and wood) naginata used in
competition in modern naginata, and on the bottom, a 'live
blade' steel naginata. (The live blade naginata is used
extremely rarely today.)
A rather long wooden naginata used in classical naginata practice. (Photo courtesy of Koryu Books.)
There
are two types of naginata practice today: modern naginata
and classical naginata. While the differences between these
two types of practice are explained below, they also share
much in common. In both, naginata practice is systemized
according to a time-honored tradition consisting of strikes,
cuts, and thrusts from left and right to various directions,
providing a balanced training with emphasis on form and
beauty of movement.
Modern Naginata
Most
of 80,000 people who study naginata today study the modern
sport form of naginata, called atarashi naginata in
Japanese. While modern naginata encompasses many of
the aspects of competitive sports (tournaments,
championships, teams, and physical education-like training)
it is still a Japanese martial art and thus stresses the
mental and moral development of its trainees. Those
who instruct in modern naginata are not merely coaches, but
also leaders who seek to develop the character and
personalities of their students - both by their example and
by drawing on the rich and long heritage of naginata.
All
who study modern naginata participate in two different types
of practice: a tournament-like form which uses protective
equipment and a naginata in which the blade portion is made
of bamboo. Points are scored in this type of practice for
strikes to the head, throat, torso, wrists, and
shins.
An international naginata tournament held in Japan in August, 1995. Coincidentally, in this particular match, both competitors and the referee are all Americans.
The
other type of practice for modern naginata is kata, a
highly stylized and choreographed practice with a partner in
which the full beauty of naginata is shown. A special
naginata of solid wood is often used in kata. Kata training
helps to perfect technique and develop deep
concentration.
A naginata kata being practiced.
Classical Naginata
Classical
naginata styles are among the martial traditions of feudal
Japan. They have remained unchanged for literally hundreds
of years. Unlike modern naginata, classical naginata has no
competitions. Instead, classical naginata styles are
practiced as prearranged choreographed forms (kata),
often performed at great speed and strength, and always with
great precision.
A demonstration of Tendo Ryu Naginata-jutsu in Japan. Here the naginata is being used against a sword.
A Higo Koryu Naginata-jutsu demonstration in Japan in the
spring of 1997. Here both are using naginata. (Photo
courtesy of Koryu
Books.)
A Toda-ha Buko-ryu Naginata-jutsu demonstration in Japan in
the fall of 1996. Here both are using naginata. (Photo
courtesy of Koryu
Books.)
